BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to a hybrid connector including an optical fiber cable with
a ferrule attached at the end thereof, which is used in a vehicle such as an automobile.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] In a vehicle such as an automobile, there are many signals transmitted from various
sensors and many signals used to control various electronic components. If these signals
are transmitted by using individual signal lines, the number of the signal lines becomes
large, resulting in the wiring harness weighing very heavy. In addition, the information
transmitted has had large volumes and densities year by year. To cope with this, in
recent years, there has been adopted a system in which part of the wiring harnesses
are replaced by optical fiber cables. For example, a connection has been made between
nodes by an optical fiber cable.
[0003] With such system, however, because connection between electronic components and optical
fiber cables is made through various forms of connector-connection, there exist a
large number of optical fiber cables having connector in different forms, adversely
affecting the production management and the production cost. The general versatility
has also been impaired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention has been accomplished to overcome the above drawbacks and an object
of this invention is to provide a hybrid connector the form of which is selectable,
in connecting to electronic components, in accordance with the form of connection
of a mating connector.
[0005] In order to attain the object, according to an aspect of this invention, there is
provided a hybrid connector which comprises: an optical fiber cable having a ferrule
attached at one end thereof; an optical adapter having an insertion opening and a
receiving cavity for the one end of the optical fiber cable and a connection opening
located at a side opposite the insertion opening for connection therethrough of the
one end of the optical fiber cable, arranged contiguously along an insertion direction
of the one end of the optical fiber cable; an electrical connector having terminal
receiving cavities formed therein for receiving electrical terminals and an optical
adapter mount section for receiving the optical adapter; an optical adapter cover
for receiving the optical adapter, having walls arranged circumferentially relative
to the insertion direction of the one end of the optical fiber cable; and an optical
housing having a housing side insertion opening and a housing side receiving cavity
for the one end of the optical fiber cable and a housing side connection opening located
at a side opposite the housing side insertion opening for connection therethrough
of the one end of the optical fiber cable, arranged contiguously along the insertion
direction of the one end of the optical fiber cable; wherein the hybrid connector
is selectively assembled as an optical/electrical connector including the optical
fiber cable, the optical adapter and the electrical connector, as a first optical
connector including the optical fiber cable, the optical adapter and the optical adapter
cover, or as a second optical connector including the optical fiber cable and the
optical housing.
[0006] The hybrid connector of the above construction, depending on the constituent elements
selected, can be provided as an optical/electrical connector, a first optical connector
and a second optical connector, and its form is thus selectable in compliance with
the form of the mating connector.
[0007] Preferably, the optical adapter cover and the optical housing have substantially
the same outside configuration to be selectively mountable in the same mating optical
connector.
[0008] Preferably, the hybrid connector further comprises a holder, and the optical adapter,
the electrical connector, the optical adapter cover and the optical housing have an
engagement hole substantially of the same size for the holder, wherein when the hybrid
connector is assembled as the optical/electrical connector, the holder is fitted and
inserted, in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the one end of
the optical fiber cable, through the engagement holes of the electrical connector
and the optical adapter to come into locking engagement with the optical adapter and
the ferrule, wherein when the hybrid connector is assembled as the first optical connector,
the holder is fitted and inserted through the engagement holes of the optical adapter
cover and the optical adapter to come into locking engagement with the optical adapter
and the ferrule, and wherein when the hybrid connector is assembled as the second
optical connector, the holder is fitted and inserted through the engagement hole of
the optical housing to come into locking engagement with the ferrule.
[0009] Advantageously, the ferrule has a circumferential flange at an intermediate length
thereof, and the holder comes into locking engagement with the circumferential flange.
[0010] Advantageously, the optical adapter has a locking projection projecting in a cantilever
manner into the receiving cavity to engage with the circumferential flange of the
ferrule to double lock the one end of the optical fiber cable in the receiving cavity.
[0011] Preferably, the receiving cavity of the optical adapter and the housing side receiving
cavity of the optical housing have substantially the same size to receive the one
end of the optical fiber cable.
[0012] Preferably, the hybrid connector is of a female type.
[0013] Preferably, the receiving cavity of the optical adapter and the housing side receiving
cavity of the optical housing have a longitudinal length larger than that of the ferrule,
so that a tip end of the ferrule received in either one of the receiving cavities
is not exposed from the respective connection opening.
[0014] In the hybrid connector as mentioned above, the tip end of the ferrule is not exposed
outside. In this way, the tip end of the ferrule is protected, prior to connector-connection
to a mating connector, from damages and the like.
[0015] According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a hybrid connector
which comprises: an optical fiber cable having a ferrule attached at one end thereof;
an optical adapter having an insertion opening and a receiving cavity for the one
end of the optical fiber cable and a connection opening located at a side opposite
the insertion opening for connection therethrough of the one end of the optical fiber
cable, arranged contiguously along an insertion direction of the one end of the optical
fiber cable; an electrical connector having terminal receiving cavities formed therein
for receiving electrical terminals and an optical adapter mount section for receiving
the optical adapter; and an optical adapter cover for receiving the optical adapter,
having walls arranged circumferentially relative to the insertion direction of the
one end of the optical fiber cable; wherein the hybrid connector is selectively assembled
as an optical/electrical connector including the optical fiber cable, the optical
adapter and the electrical connector, or as an optical connector including the optical
fiber cable, the optical adapter and the optical adapter cover.
[0016] The hybrid connector of the above construction, depending on the constituent elements
selected, can be provided as an optical/electrical connector or an optical connector,
and its form is thus selectable in compliance with the form of the mating connector.
[0017] Preferably, the hybrid connector further comprises a holder, and the optical adapter,
the electrical connector and the optical adapter cover have an engagement hole substantially
of the same size for the holder, wherein when the hybrid connector is assembled as
the optical/electrical connector, the holder is fitted and inserted, in a direction
perpendicular to the insertion direction of the one end of the optical fiber cable,
through the engagement holes of the electrical connector and the optical adapter to
come into locking engagement with the optical adapter and the ferrule, and wherein
when the hybrid connector is assembled as the optical connector, the holder is fitted
and inserted through the engagement holes of the optical adapter cover and the optical
adapter to come into locking engagement with the optical adapter and the ferrule.
[0018] Advantageously, the ferrule has a circumferential flange at an intermediate length
thereof, and the holder comes into locking engagement with the circumferential flange.
[0019] Advantageously, the optical adapter has a locking projection projecting in a cantilever
manner into the receiving cavity to engage with the circumferential flange of the
ferrule to double lock the one end of the optical fiber cable in the receiving cavity.
[0020] Preferably, the hybrid connector is of a female type.
[0021] Preferably, the receiving cavity of the optical adapter has a longitudinal length
larger than that of the ferrule, so that a tip end of the ferrule received in the
receiving cavity is not exposed from the connection opening.
[0022] Preferably, two of the optical fiber cables are provided, one for sending and the
other for receiving optical signals.
[0023] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024]
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hybrid connector according to one embodiment
of this invention;
Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, with mating connectors also shown;
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an optical/electrical connector as in Fig.
1;
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector as in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a front view of an optical adapter as in Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the optical adapter;
Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the optical adapter;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 5;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of Fig. 5;
Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of Fig. 6;
Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of Fig. 5;
Fig. 12 is a front view of an electrical connector as in Fig. 1;
Fig. 13 is a plan view of the electrical connector;
Fig. 14 is a left side view of the electrical connector;
Fig. 15 is a right side view of the electrical connector;
Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E of Fig. 12;
Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line F-F of Fig. 12;
Fig. 18 is a front view of the optical connector as in Fig. 3;
Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line G-G of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line H-H of Fig. 18;
Fig. 21 is a front view of the optical/electrical connector as in Fig. 3;
Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line I-I of Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line J-J of Fig. 21;
Fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along the line K-K of Fig. 21;
Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a female optical connector as in Fig. 1;
Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the female optical connector, shown from
a direction opposite that in Fig. 25;
Fig. 27 is a front view of an optical adapter cover as in Fig. 1;
Fig. 28 is a plan view of the optical adapter cover;
Fig. 29 is a bottom view of the optical adapter cover;
Fig. 30 is a right side view of the optical adapter cover;
Fig. 31 is a rear view of the optical adapter cover;
Fig. 32 is a sectional view taken along the line L-L of Fig. 27;
Fig. 33 is a sectional view take along the line M-M of Fig. 27;
Fig. 34 is a sectional view taken along the line N-N of Fig. 27;
Fig. 35 is a sectional view taken along the line O-O of Fig. 27;
Fig. 36 is a front view of the optical connector of Fig. 25;
Fig. 37 is a sectional view taken along the line P-P of Fig. 36;
Fig. 38 is a sectional view taken along the line Q-Q of Fig. 36;
Fig. 39 is an exploded perspective view of another female optical connector as in
Fig. 1, different from that as in Fig. 25;
Fig. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector of Fig. 39, shown
from a direction opposite that in Fig. 39;
Fig. 41 is a front view of an optical housing as in Fig. 39;
Fig. 42 is a plan view of the optical housing;
Fig. 43 is a bottom view of the optical housing;
Fig. 44 is a right side view of the optical housing;
Fig. 45 is a rear view of the optical housing;
Fig. 46 is a sectional view taken along the line R-R of Fig. 41;
Fig. 47 is a sectional view taken along the line S-S of Fig. 41;
Fig. 48 is a sectional view taken along the line T-T of Fig. 41;
Fig. 49 is a sectional view taken along the line U-U of Fig. 42;
Fig. 50 is a front view of the optical connector of Fig. 40;
Fig. 51 is a sectional view taken along the line W-W of Fig. 50;
Fig. 52 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X of Fig. 50;
Fig. 53 is an exploded perspective view of a male optical/electrical connector as
in Fig. 2;
Fig. 54 is a perspective view of a male optical connector as in Fig. 53;
Fig. 55 is a front view of the optical/electrical connector of Fig. 53;
Fig. 56 is a partially sectional plan view of the optical/electrical connector of
Fig. 55;
Fig. 57 is a sectional view taken along the line a-a of Fig. 55;
Fig. 58 is an exploded perspective view of a male optical connector as in Fig. 2;
Fig. 59 is a front view of an optical housing as in Fig. 58;
Fig. 60 is a bottom view of the optical housing;
Fig. 61 is a right side view of the optical housing;
Fig. 62 is a left side view of the optical housing;
Fig. 63 is a rear view of the optical housing;
Fig. 64 is a sectional view taken along the line b-b of Fig. 59;
Fig. 65 is a sectional view taken along the line c-c of Fig. 59;
Fig. 66 is a sectional view taken along the line d-d of Fig. 59;
Fig. 67 is a sectional view taken along the line e-e of Fig. 59;
Fig. 68 is a longitudinal sectional view of the optical connector of Fig. 58; and
Fig. 69 is a rear view of the optical connector of Fig. 58.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] One embodiment of this invention will now be described with reference to the attached
drawings.
[0026] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hybrid connector according to one embodiment
of this invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hybrid connector,
shown with mating connectors.
[0027] In Fig. 1, the hybrid connector of this invention, which takes the form of a female
connector in the present embodiment, is constituted as an optical/electrical connector
1 or as an optical connector 2, 3 through selection of its constituent elements.
[0028] In other words, the optical/electrical connector 1 is constituted by optical fiber
cables 5, 5 with a ferrule 4, 4 attached at their end, an optical adapter 6, an electrical
connector 7 and a holder 8. The optical connector 2 is constituted by the optical
fiber cables 5, 5, the optical adapter 6, an optical adapter cover 9, and the holder
8, and the optical connector 3 by the optical fibers 5, 5, an optical housing 10 and
the holder 8.
[0029] In Fig. 2, the optical/electrical connector 1 is adapted to connector-connect to
a male optical/electrical connector 11. Each optical connector 2, 3 is adapted to
connector-connect to a male optical connector 12. The selection of the optical/electrical
connector 1 or the optical connector 2, 3 is dependent upon the form of the mating
male connector, i.e., the optical/electrical connector 11 or the optical connector
12.
[0030] The optical/electrical connector 1, optical connector 2, optical connector 3, optical/electrical
connector 11 and optical connector 12 will now be described in detail in the order
mentioned.
[0031] The optical/electrical connector 1, as mentioned above, is a female connector and,
as shown in Fig. 3, includes the optical fiber cables 5, 5 each with a ferrule 4 fitted
at one end, the optical adapter 6, the electrical connector 7 and the holder 8, and
serves the functions of an optical connector and an electrical connector.
[0032] The optical fiber cable 5 is made up of a plastic optical fiber 21, a first sheath
22 covering the plastic optical fiber 21, and a second sheath 23 provided to cover
the first sheath.
[0033] The plastic optical fiber (hereinafter abbreviated as POF) 21 is a transmission line
for transmitting optical signals, has a circular cross section, and has a transparent
core at the center for the transmission of optical signals and a transparent outer
clad which has a smaller refractive index than that of the core.
[0034] The first sheath 22 and the second sheath 23 are formed of insulating synthetic resin
material and are stripped by respective predetermined lengths at the end, so that
the POF 21 and the first sheath 22 are exposed in a stepwise manner.
[0035] The ferrules 4 are made of synthetic resin and are provided in cylindrical form having
a small diameter portion 25 and a large diameter portion 26 contiguous to the small
diameter portion, the former receiving the POF 21 and the latter the first sheath
22.
[0036] The POF 21, when inserted, is exposed from the distal end of the small diameter portion
25. The large diameter portion 26 is provided on its outer periphery with two flanges
27, 28, the flange 27 being located at an intermediate length of the large diameter
portion 26 and the flange 27 at the proximal end. The distal end of the second sheath
23 abuts against the flange 28.
[0037] The optical fiber cables 5, 5 are rigidly fixed in the ferrules 4, 4 with an adhesive
or the like so that they will not slip off during use.
[0038] The optical adapter 6 is made of synthetic resin and, as shown in Figs. 3 to 11,
has such shape as formed by two rectangular cylinders juxtaposed to and integral with
each other. The optical adapter 6 is symmetrical about its longitudinal center axis.
[0039] The optical adapter 6 has insertion openings 31, 31, receiving cavities 32, 32 and
connection openings 33, 33 contiguous in the order mentioned in an insertion direction
of the ends of the respective optical fiber cables 5, 5 attached with the ferrule
4 or in a longitudinal direction.
[0040] The optical adapter 6 has locking portions 34, 34 and an engagement hole 35 (Fig.
4) formed on its outer upper and lower walls and further has taper surfaces 36, 36
(Fig. 4) and a groove 37, both extending longitudinally. Denoted 38 is a recess formed
on the outer wall of the optical adapter 6 at the side opposite the groove 37.
[0041] The insertion openings 31, 31 are circular holes formed in one end surface (proximal
end surface) in the longitudinal direction of the optical adapter 6 and communicate
to the receiving cavities 32, 32. Through the insertion openings 31, 31 are inserted
the ends of the optical fiber cables 5, 5. The insertion openings 31, 31 have a diameter
slightly larger than that of the flanges 27, 28 and are juxtaposed in a width direction
of the optical adapter 6.
[0042] The receiving cavities 32, 32 have a length larger than the longitudinal length of
the ferrules 4, 4 so that the distal ends of the small diameter portions 25 of the
inserted ferrules 4, 4 do not protrude outside the connection openings 33, 33. (The
tip ends of the ferrules 4, 4 are in this way prevented from damage. The end surfaces
of the exposed POFs 21 are also protected.) The receiving cavities 32, 32 have the
same diameter as that of the insertion openings 31, 31 and of the connection openings
33, 33 and are internally provided at an intermediate length thereof with ring-shaped
circumferential stoppers 39, 39.
[0043] The flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4 abut against the stoppers 39, 39 each of
which has a circumferential taper at the side toward the flange 27.
[0044] The connection openings 33, 33 are circular holes formed in the other end surface
(distal end surface) in the longitudinal direction of the optical adapter 6 and allows
connection to the optical/electrical connector 11 (Fig. 2). The connection openings
33, 33 are juxtaposed in the width direction of the optical adapter 6 and communicate
to the receiving cavities 32, 32.
[0045] The locking portions 34, 34 are located on opposite sides of the groove 37, toward
the insertion openings 31, 31 and are cut in the outer wall of the optical adapter
6 to project in a cantilever manner into the receiving cavities 32, 32 to make contact
with the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4 and lock the ferrules from slipping off
rearwardly.
[0046] The engagement hole 35 (Fig. 4) is transversely formed, through the outer wall opposite
the wall where the locking portions 34, 34 are formed, to communicate to the receiving
cavities 32, 32. Into the engagement hole 35 is fitted the holder 8 to engage with
the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4 and double lock the ferrules inside the receiving
cavities 32, 32.
[0047] The taper surfaces 36, 36 take the form as if obtained by chamfering the transversely
opposite edges of the optical adapter 6 at the side where the engagement hole 35 is
provided, and prevent the optical adapter 6 from being fitted upside down into the
electrical connector 7.
[0048] The groove 37 extends longitudinally at a center of the outer wall of the optical
adapter 6, between the locking portions 34, 34 and serves as a guide.
[0049] The electrical connector 7, as shown in Fig. 3, includes a plurality of electrical
terminals 41 (only two are shown), an electrical housing 42 of synthetic resin and
terminallocking spacers 43, 43 insertable into the electrical housing 42.
[0050] The electrical terminal 41 is of a female type and is formed from a conductive thin
metal plate to have a box-like electrical contact portion and a wire connecting portion.
The electrical contact portion is provided with a resilient locking piece 44, and
the wire connecting portion is crimped on and connected to the stripped end of a wire
45.
[0051] The spacers 43, 43 are substantially T-shaped when viewed from above, and their longitudinal
portions 46 are made longer than their transverse portions 47 to, when inserted into
the electrical housing 42, double lock the electrical terminals 41 in a row arrangement
in the electrical housing 42.
[0052] The electrical housing 42, as shown in Figs. 3 and 12 to 17, is provided in box-like
form and has a plurality of terminal receiving cavities 50 and an optical adapter
mount section 51 for receiving the optical adapter 6. The electrical housing 42 is
longer in width direction, i.e., in size from the left to right side walls 54, 55
than in longitudinal direction, i.e., in size from the front to rear end surfaces
52, 53.
[0053] The electrical housing 42 is provided on its upper wall 56 with a locking arm 57,
guide ribs 58, 58 and 59, and an arch-like portion 60 and on its lower wall 61 with
guide ribs 62, 62 and a tongue-like projection 63 (Fig. 12) contiguous to the rear
end surface 53. The left side wall 54 is formed with insertion portions 64, 64 for
the spacers 43, 43.
[0054] The terminal receiving cavities 50 are arranged at equal intervals in two, upper
and lower rows, six receiving cavities for each row (though not limited to this number)
. Each terminal receiving cavity 50 opens at the front end surface 52 and the rear
end surface 53, and through the rear end surface 53 side opening is inserted the related
electrical terminal 41.
[0055] Denoted 67 (Fig. 17) is a locking shoulder which engages with the locking piece 44
of the electrical terminal 41 to prevent the electrical terminal 41 from slipping
off rearwardly. The locking shoulder 67 is provided at an intermediate length of the
upper wall 56 or lower wall 61 of the terminal receiving cavity 50.
[0056] Denoted 68 (Fig. 17) is a stopper which is located at the front end surface 52 side
of the terminal receiving cavity 50 and which abuts against the electrical contact
portion of the electrical terminal 41. In the vicinity of the stopper 68 is formed
an opening 69 which is used when removing the electrical terminal 41 or inspecting
for an incomplete insertion of the electrical terminal 41.
[0057] Denoted 70 (Fig. 17) is a slit for receiving the longitudinal portion 46 of the related
spacer 43. If, following the insertion of the electrical terminal 41 into the terminal
receiving cavity 50, the spacer 43 is placed into the slit 70, the electrical terminal
41 is double locked by the spacer 43 and the locking shoulder 67.
[0058] The optical adapter mount section 51 has an empty space extending from the rear end
surface 53 to the front end surface 52 of the electrical housing 42 and capable of
receiving the optical adapter 6.
[0059] The optical adapter mount section 51 has a guide rib 73 for guiding the optical adapter
6, a convex portion 74 (Figs. 12, 16) which engages in the recess 38 (Fig. 4) of the
optical adapter 6, and an engagement hole 75 (Fig. 16) for fitting the holder 8. The
wall having the front end surface 52 is formed with connection openings 76, 76 communicating
to the optical adapter mount section 51 and also serves as a stopper for the optical
adapter 6.
[0060] The guide rib 73 is formed at a center on the upper inner wall (Fig. 12) of the optical
adapter mount section 51 to extend in the direction from the rear end surface 53 to
the front end surface 52 (in the fitting direction of the optical adapter 6).
[0061] The guide rib 73 is of such size as to engage in the groove 37 of the optical adapter
6.
[0062] The convex portion 74 is tapered (Fig. 16) for easy engagement in the recess 38 (Fig.
4). Denoted 77 is a mold removing hole for forming the convex portion 74.
[0063] The engagement hole 75 (Fig. 16) at the optical adapter mount section 51 is of the
same size as the engagement hole 35 (Fig. 6) of the optical adapter 6. The holder
8 is inserted through the engagement hole 75 and the engagement hole 35 (Figs. 4,
6) to come into engagement with the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4.
[0064] The connection openings 76, 76 at the optical adapter mount section 51 are circular
throughholes and have the same diameter and the same spacing therebetween as the connection
openings 33, 33 (Fig. 5) of the optical adapter 6.
[0065] The locking arm 57 rises upwardly from the upper wall 56 of the electrical housing
42 at the front end surface 52 side and is bent at about 90° to extend close to the
rear end surface 53.
[0066] The locking arm 57 has resiliency and has tapered claw-like locking projections 78,
78 on its upper surface. The locking projections 78, 78 are located at an intermediate
length of the locking arm 57.
[0067] The locking arm 57 further has a pressing portion 79 formed thereon at a position
close to its tip end which projects in the same direction as the locking arms 78,
78. The locking arm 57 is tapered at the front end and becomes thinner toward the
tip end.
[0068] The guide ribs 58, 58 are provided at opposite side ends of the electrical housing
upper wall 56 to project at right angles to the upper wall 56 and extend longitudinally
in the direction from the front end surface 52 to the rear end surface 53. The guide
ribs 58, 58, as shown in Fig. 12, have their upper ends flush with the upper surface
of the locking arm 57 on which the locking projections 78, 78 are formed.
[0069] The guide rib 59 provided on the upper wall 56 of the electrical housing 42 has approximately
half the height of the guide ribs 58, 58 and extends in parallel with same.
[0070] The arch portion 60 is of small width, U-shaped and provided on the upper wall 56
of the electrical housing 42 and has its rear end surface flush with the rear end
surface 53. The opposite side ends of the arch portion 60 are contiguous to the left
and right side walls 54 and 55. The arch portion 60, as shown in Fig. 16, is flush
with the upper end of the pressing portion 79 of the locking arm 57 and protects the
locking arm 57.
[0071] The guide ribs 62, 62 are provided at opposite side ends of the lower wall 61 of
the electrical housing 42 to project at right angles to the lower wall 61, extend
in the direction from the front end surface 52 to the rear end surface 53, and are
contiguous to the left and right side walls 54 and 55. The guide ribs 62, 62 have
a slightly smaller height than the guide rib 59 located on the upper wall 56.
[0072] Each insertion portion 64 (Fig. 3) has a slit 70 and a recess 80 formed around the
slit 70 for receiving the transverse portion 47 of the related spacer 43. The recess
80 has such a depth that the transverse portion 47, when the spacer 43 is inserted,
becomes flush with the left side wall 54.
[0073] The holder 8, as shown in Fig. 3, is a one-piece locking member and includes a shank
83 and a pair of resilient locking arms 84, 84 provided at opposite sides of the shank
83. Each resilient locking arm 84 is formed at the upper side with a curved depression
85 which conforms to the outside shape of the large diameter portion 26 of the respective
ferrule 4. The holder 8 is fitted into the engagement hole 75 (Fig. 16) through depression
of its resilient locking arms 84, 84. The resilient locking arms 84, 84 come into
engagement with the flanges 27, 27 of the respective ferrules 4, 4.
[0074] The holder 8 serves to lock not only the ferrules 4, 4, but also the optical adapter
6 in position in the electrical housing 42.
[0075] With the construction as mentioned above, the optical/electrical connector 1 is assembled
as follows.
[0076] First, as shown in Figs. 18 to 20, the optical fiber cables 5, 5 attached at the
end with the ferrule 4 are inserted and mounted in the optical adapter 6 to assemble
the optical connector 87.
[0077] In other words, the optical fiber cables 5, 5 are pushed through the insertion openings
31, 31 into the receiving cavities 32, 32 until the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules
4, 4 come into contact with the stoppers 39, 39.
[0078] The locking portions 34, 34, if the optical fiber cables 5, 5 fully advance into
the receiving cavities 32, 32, come from their outwardly deflected position back to
their original position to engage with the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4 and
restrict the movement of the optical fibers 5, 5 inside the receiving cavities 32,
32.
[0079] The optical connector 87, after completion of its assembly, is mounted in the electrical
connector 7 as shown in Figs. 21 to 24. The electrical terminals 41 are in advance
inserted into their respective terminal receiving cavities 50 of the electrical connector
7, although may alternatively be inserted afterward.
[0080] To briefly describe the insertion step of the electrical terminals 41, each electrical
terminal 41 is pushed until its electrical contact portion abuts against the stopper
68 (Fig. 17) and received in position in the terminal receiving cavity 50.
[0081] During the above, the locking piece 44 of the electrical terminal 41 deflects inwardly
and, when the electrical terminal 41 is fully inserted, restores its original position
to engage with the locking shoulder 67. After all the electrical terminals 41 have
been inserted, the spacers 43, 43 are inserted into the electrical housing 42 to thereby
double lock the electrical terminals 41. The electrical connector 7 is thus provided
with the electrical terminals 41.
[0082] If the optical connector 87 as obtained above is inserted into the electrical connector
7, the convex portion 74 (Fig. 22) inside the optical adapter mount section 51 engages
in the recess 38 of the optical adapter 6 to lock the optical connector 87 in the
electrical connector 7.
[0083] The optical adapter mount section 51 is provided with taper surfaces 88, 88 (Fig.
21) which cooperate with the taper surfaces 36, 36 (Fig. 5) of the optical adapter
6 to prevent the optical adapter 6 or the optical connector 87 from being inserted
upside down into the electrical connector 7.
[0084] Thereafter, the holder 8 is fitted and inserted through the engagement hole 75 of
the electrical connector 7 and the engagement hole 35 of the optical adapter 6, so
that the optical fibers 5, 5 are double locked in position in the optical adapter
6 and the optical adapter 6 is double locked in position in the electrical connector
7. The optical/electrical connector 1 is thus assembled.
[0085] The optical connector 2 will now be described.
[0086] In Figs. 25 and 26, the optical connector 2, as mentioned above, is of a female type
and is constituted by the optical fiber cables 5, 5 attached at the end with the ferrule
4, the optical adapter 6, the optical adapter cover 9, and the holder 8. (The optical
fiber cables 5, 5, the optical adapter 6 and the holder 8 each has the same structure
as described above, and their detailed description will be omitted here.)
[0087] The optical adapter cover 9 is made of synthetic resin and, as shown in Figs. 25
to 35, has a box-like shape for receiving therein the optical adapter 6.
[0088] The optical adapter cover 9 has four walls in one piece, arranged in a circumferential
direction relative to the longitudinal or insertion direction of the optical adapter
6, i.e., an upper wall 91, a left side wall 92 contiguous to the upper wall 91, a
lower wall 93 contiguous to the left side wall 92 and a right side wall 94 contiguous
to the lower and upper walls 93 and 91, as well as a front wall 95 integral with these
four walls at their front end.
[0089] The upper and lower walls 91 and 93 of the optical adapter cover 9 are partially
transversely cut out at their rear end. The cutout allows the optical adapter 6 to
be partially exposed after the optical adapter is accommodated in the optical adapter
cover 9. The cutout also contributes to an improved workability.
[0090] The left side wall 92 of the optical adapter cover 9 is formed with guide ribs 96,
96. The right side wall 94 is formed with guide ribs 97, 97 and a locking portion
98 located between the guide ribs 97, 97. The lower wall 93 is formed with an engagement
hole 99 for fitting the holder 8.
[0091] The front wall 95 of the optical adapter cover 9 is provided with connection openings
100, 100 communicating to the interior of the optical adapter cover 9. The front wall
95 serves as a stopper for the optical adapter 6.
[0092] The optical adapter cover 9 is internally provided with the same empty space as that
(Fig. 3) formed in the optical adapter mount section 51 and includes a guide rib 100
(Fig. 27) for guiding the optical adapter 6, a convex portion 102 engageable in the
recess 38 (Fig. 4) of the optical adapter 6, and taper surfaces 103, 103 corresponding
to the taper surfaces 36, 36 (Fig. 5) of the optical adapter.
[0093] The guide ribs 96, 96 project at right angles on the left side wall 92, one at the
upper end to be flush with the upper wall 91 and the other at an intermediate height
of the left side wall 92, and extend longitudinally. The guide ribs 96, 96 have a
smaller size in width or transverse direction than the guide ribs 97, 97.
[0094] The guide ribs 97, 97 project at right angles on the right side wall 94 at the upper
and lower ends to be flush with the upper and lower walls 91 and 93, respectively,
and extend longitudinally. The guide ribs 97, 97 have a sufficient size in width or
transverse direction to protect the locking portion 98.
[0095] The locking portion 98 is constituted by a forward base portion 106 rising at the
front wall 95 side, rearward base portions 107, 107 rising at the rear end side of
the right side wall 94, and a resilient portion 108 extending parallel to the right
side wall 94 and bridging the forward base portion 106 and the rearward base portions
107, 107.
[0096] The resilient portion 108 has resiliency and is thinned at about an intermediate
part thereof. The resilient portion 108 has a claw-like locking projection 109 and
a pressing portion 110 with steps (Fig. 30), the former being formed on the outer
surface thereof at the intermediate length, and the latter on the same surface toward
the rearward base portions 107, 107.
[0097] Pressing down at the pressing portion 110 deflects the resilient portion 108 toward
the right side wall 94 to disengage the locking projection 109.
[0098] The engagement hole 99 has the same size as the engagement hole 35 (Fig. 6) of the
optical adapter 6. The holder 8, when fitted in the engagement hole 99, passes through
the engagement hole 35 (Fig. 6) to come into engagement with the flanges 27, 27 of
the ferrules 4, 4.
[0099] The connection openings 100, 100 are circular throughholes and have the same diameter
and the same spacing therebetween as the connection openings 33, 33 (Fig. 5) of the
optical adapter 6.
[0100] The guide rib 101 is formed at a center on the upper inner wall 91 to extend longitudinally
and is of such size as to engage in the groove 37 of the optical adapter 6.
[0101] The convex portion 102 is tapered (Fig. 32) for easy engagement in the recess 38
(Fig. 4) of the optical adapter 6. Denoted 111 is a mold removing hole for forming
the convex portion 102.
[0102] The taper surfaces 103, 103 cooperate with the taper surfaces 36, 36 (Fig. 5) of
the optical adapter 6 to prevent the optical adapter 6 and thus the optical connector
87 from being inserted upside down into the optical adapter cover 9.
[0103] With the construction as mentioned above, the optical connector 2 is assembled as
follows.
[0104] As shown in Figs. 36 to 38, the optical fibers 5, 5 attached at the end with the
ferrule 4 are first inserted into the optical adapter 6 to assemble the optical connector
87, and then the optical connector 87 is inserted into the optical adapter cover 9
to assemble the optical connector 2.
[0105] More specifically, if inserted into the optical adapter cover 9, the convex portion
102 (Fig. 35) of the optical adapter cover 9 engages in the recess 38 (Fig. 4) of
the optical adapter 6 to lock the optical adapter 6 and thus the optical connector
87 in the optical adapter cover 9.
[0106] Thereafter, the holder 8 is fitted and inserted through the engagement hole 99 of
the optical adapter cover 9 and the engagement hole 35 of the optical adapter 6, so
that the optical fibers 5, 5 are double locked in position in the optical adapter
6 and the optical adapter 6 is double locked in position in the optical adapter cover
9. The optical connector 2 is thus assembled.
[0107] Description will now be made of the optical connector 3.
[0108] In Figs. 39 and 40, the optical connector 3, as mentioned above, is of a female type
and is constituted by the optical fiber cables 5, 5 attached at the end with the ferrule
4, the optical housing 10, and the holder 8. (The optical fiber cables 5, 5 and the
holder 8 each has the same structure as described above, and their description will
be omitted here.)
[0109] The optical housing 10 is made of synthetic resin and, as shown in Figs. 39 to 49,
has a box-like shape for receiving therein the optical fiber cables 5, 5. The optical
housing 10 has an upper wall 115, a left side wall 116 contiguous to the upper wall
115, a lower wall 117 contiguous to the left side wall 116 and a right side wall 118
contiguous to the lower and upper walls 117 and 115, as well as a front wall 119 integral
with these walls at their front end. These walls of the optical housing 10 are substantially
equal in size to the upper wall 91, left side wall 92, lower wall 93, right side wall
94 and front wall 95 (Figs. 25 to 30) of the optical adapter cover 9, respectively.
The optical housing 10 has substantially the same outside shape as that of the optical
adapter cover 9 (Fig. 1) .
[0110] The upper and lower walls 115 and 117 of the optical housing 10 are partially transversely
cut out at their rear end. The optical housing 10 further has a rear wall 120 which
is flush with the end surfaces of the upper and lower walls 115 and 117 at the cutout.
[0111] The upper wall 115 of the optical housing 10 is formed with an engagement hole 125
for fitting the holder 8 and four recesses 126. The left side wall 116 is formed with
guide ribs 127, 127 and a groove 128. The right side wall 118 is formed with guide
ribs 129, 129, a locking portion 130 located between the guide ribs, and a groove
131. The lower wall 117 is formed with four recesses 132 two of which contain a locking
portion 133.
[0112] The front wall 119 of the optical housing 10 is provided with connection openings
134, 134. The rear wall 120 is provided with insertion openings 135, 135. The optical
housing 10 has receiving cavities 136, 136 formed therein.
[0113] The engagement hole 125 has the same size as the engagement hole 35 (Figs. 4, 6)
of the optical adapter 6. If fitted in the engagement hole 125, the holder 8 comes
into engagement with the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4.
[0114] The four recesses 126 serve to make a reduction in weight or the like and are curved
at their bottom to conform to the shape of the receiving cavities 136, 136 defined
therebelow.
[0115] The guide ribs 127, 127 project at right angles on the left side wall 116, one at
the upper end to be flush with the upper wall 115 and the other at an intermediate
height of the left side wall 116, and extend longitudinally in a fitting direction
of the optical fiber cables 5, 5 attached with the ferrule 4. The guide ribs 127,
127 have a smaller size in width or transverse direction than the guide ribs 129,
129.
[0116] The groove 128 serves to make a reduction in weight or the like and extends longitudinally
at an intermediate height of the left side wall 116.
[0117] The guide ribs 129, 129 project at right angles on the right side wall 118 at the
upper and lower ends to be flush with the upper and lower walls 115 and 117, respectively,
and extend longitudinally. The guide ribs 129, 129 have a sufficient size in width
or transverse direction to protect the locking portion 130.
[0118] The locking portion 130 is constituted by a forward base portion 140 rising at the
front wall 119 side, rearward base portions 141, 141 rising at the rear wall 120 side,
and a resilient portion 142 extending parallel to the right side wall 118 and bridging
the forward base portion 140 and the rearward base portions 141, 141.
[0119] The resilient portion 142 has resiliency and is thinned at about an intermediate
part thereof. The resilient portion 142 has a claw-like locking projection 143 and
a pressing portion 144 with steps, the former being formed on its outer surface at
the intermediate length, and the latter on the same surface toward the rearward base
portions 141, 141.
[0120] Pressing down at the pressing portion 144 deflects the resilient portion 142 toward
the right side wall 118 to disengage the locking projection 143.
[0121] The groove 131 (Figs. 40, 41) serves to make a reduction in weight or the like and
extends longitudinally at an intermediate height of the right side wall 118.
[0122] The four recesses 132 (Figs. 43, 46) serve to make a reduction in weight or the like
and are curved at their bottom to conform to the shape of the receiving cavities 136,
136 defined thereabove.
[0123] The locking portion 133 (Fig. 43) is located inside the recesses 132, 132 at the
side closer to the rear wall 120. The locking portion 133 includes a resilient cantilever
projection defined by a U-shaped slit made in the bottom of the related recess 132,
which is capable of engaging with the flange 27 of the related ferrule 4 to prevent
the ferrule from coming off rearwardly. The locking portion 133 projects at the front
end into the receiving cavity 136.
[0124] The connection openings 134, 134 are circular throughholes and have the same diameter
and the same spacing therebetween as the connection openings 33, 33 (Fig. 5) of the
optical adapter 6. The connection openings 134, 134 communicate to the respective
receiving cavities 136, 136.
[0125] The insertion openings 135, 135 are circular holes communicating to the respective
receiving cavities 136, 136, and the ends of the optical fiber cables 5, 5 are inserted
through the insertion openings 135, 135 into the receiving cavities 136, 136. The
insertion openings 135, 135 have a diameter slightly larger than that of the flanges
27, 28 and are juxtaposed in a width direction of the optical housing 10.
[0126] The receiving cavities 136, 136 has a length larger than the longitudinal length
of the ferrules 4, 4 so that the distal ends of the small diameter portions 25 of
the inserted ferrules 4, 4 do not protrude outside the connection openings 134, 134.
(The tip ends of the ferrules 4, 4 are in this way prevented from damage. The end
surfaces of the exposed POFs 21 are also protected.) The receiving cavities 136, 136
have the same diameter as that of the insertion openings 135, 135 and of the connection
openings 134, 134 and are internally provided at an intermediate length thereof with
ring-shaped circumferential stoppers 145, 145 (Fig. 46).
[0127] The flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4 abut against the stoppers 145, 145 each of
which has a circumferential taper at the side toward the flange 27.
[0128] With the construction as mentioned above, the optical connector 3 is assembled as
follows.
[0129] First, as shown in Figs. 50 to 52, the optical fiber cables 5, 5 attached at the
end with the ferrule 4 are inserted and mounted in the optical housing 10 to assemble
the optical connector 3.
[0130] In other words, the optical fiber cables 5, 5 are pushed through the insertion openings
135, 135 into the receiving cavities 136, 136 until the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules
4, 4 come into contact with the stoppers 145, 145.
[0131] The locking portions 133, 133 (Figs. 43, 51) , if the optical fiber cables 5, 5 fully
advance into the receiving cavities 136, 136, come from their outwardly deflected
position back to their original position to engage with the flanges 27, 27 of the
ferrules 4, 4 and restrict the movement of the optical fiber cables 5, 5 inside the
receiving cavities 136, 136.
[0132] Thereafter, the holder 8 is fitted in the engagement hole 125 of the optical housing
10, so that it engages with the flanges 27, 27 of the ferrules 4, 4 to double lock
the optical fiber cables 5, 5 in position in the receiving cavities 136, 136. The
optical connector 3 is thus assembled.
[0133] The description made hereinabove concerns the hybrid connector according to this
invention which takes the form of a female connector. Description will now be made
of a mating male connector which connector-connects to the hybrid connector in the
present embodiment.
[0134] In Fig. 53, the optical/electrical connector 11 includes a male optical connector
151 and a male electrical connector 152.
[0135] The optical connector 151, as shown in Figs. 53 and 54, includes FOTs 153, 154 (FOT:
fiber optical transceiver, also often referred to as light transmit or receive chip
or the like) , FOT casings 155, 156, a shield casing 157, sleeves 158, 158, and an
optical housing 159.
[0136] The FOT 153 includes a molded portion 162 and a plurality of leads 161 extending
from the molded portion. One of the leads 161 is mounted with a light emitting element.
Wire bonding is also effected. The leads 161 are fixed at the lower end to a not-shown
printed circuit board. A light emitting diode (LED) , for example, can be mentioned
as the light emitting element.
[0137] The molded portion 162 is molded from transparent resin material capable of transmitting
light (for example, epoxy resin preferably having the same refractive index as that
of the POF 21 of the optical fiber cable 5). The leads 161 are embedded at the upper
end in the molded portion 162.
[0138] The FOT 154 includes a molded portion 164 and a plurality of leads 163 extending
from the molded portion. One of the leads 163 is mounted with a light receiving element.
Wire bonding is also effected. The leads 163 are fixed at the lower end to the not-shown
printed circuit board. A photodiode (PD), for example, can be mentioned as the light
receiving element.
[0139] The molded portion 164, like the molded portion 162, is molded from transparent resin
material capable of transmitting light (for example, epoxy resin preferably having
the same refractive index as that of the POF 21). The leads 163 are embedded at the
upper end in the molded portion 164.
[0140] The FOT casing 155 is made of conductive synthetic resin material and includes a
case body 166 covering the molded portion 162 of the FOT 153 and a cylindrical portion
167 projecting from the case body 166. The case body 166 has a bottomed box-like shape.
The cylindrical portion 167 is located on a front side of the light emitting element
of the FOT 153, receives the related sleeve 158, and is formed with a flat surface
168 cut thereon.
[0141] The FOT casing 156, like the FOT casing 155, is made of conductive synthetic resin
material and includes a case body 169 covering the molded portion 164 of the FOT 154
and a cylindrical portion 170 projecting from the case body 169. The case body 169
has a bottomed box-like shape. The cylindrical portion 170 is located on a front side
of the light receiving element of the FOT 154, receives the related sleeve 158, and
is formed with a flat surface 171 cut thereon.
[0142] The shield casing 157 is made of a stamped conductive thin metal plate and has two
receiving sections 173, 173, each having a U-shaped cutout 174, rectangular throughholes
175, 175 and a fixing portion 176 with which to fix to the not-shown printed circuit
board.
[0143] The receiving sections 173, 173 receive the respective FOT casings 155 and 156. Behind
the wall having the cutout 174 is provided a not-shown convex portion for holding
the FOT casing 155, 156 in pressed-in position in the receiving section 173.
[0144] The cylindrical portions 167 and 170 are received in the cutouts 174, 174. If the
cylindrical portions 167, 170 are received, the FOT casings 155 and 156 and thus the
FOTs 153, 154 inside the respective FOT casings 155 and 156 are placed in position.
[0145] In the throughholes 175, 175 are engaged corresponding locking projections 183 (Fig.
56) provided on the optical housing 159.
[0146] The fixing portions 176, 176, like the leads 161 and 163, are fixed to the not-shown
printed circuit board and also serve as a ground terminal.
[0147] Each sleeve 158 is constituted by an optical fiber 178 made up of a core and a cladding,
and a cylindrical holder 179. Incidentally, the sleeves 158, 158 may be provided,
in one method, by cutting the optical fiber cables 5, 5 (Fig. 3) in predetermined
lengths and grinding them at their both ends.
[0148] The optical housing 159 is made of conductive synthetic resin material and includes
a box-like FOT receiving section 181 and sleeve receiving sections 182, 182 projecting
from the FOT receiving section 181.
[0149] The FOT receiving section 181 fixes therein the shield casing 157 and is internally
provided with the locking projections 183 (Fig. 56) engageable in the throughholes
175 of the shield casing. Denoted 184 are mold-removing holes for forming the locking
projections 183.
[0150] Inside each sleeve receiving section 182 are formed a large and small diameter bores
185 and 186 (Figs. 56, 57) , the large diameter bore 185 communicating to the FOT
receiving section 181 and receiving the cylindrical portion 167, 170, the small diameter
bore 186 contiguous to the large diameter bore 185 and receiving the sleeve 158, 158.
[0151] The sleeve receiving sections 182, 182 are provided at the outside with four locking
projections 187 for the electrical connector 152 and also with ground terminals 188,
188 which are fixed to the not-shown printed circuit board. The outer diameter of
the sleeve receiving sections 182, 182 is slightly smaller than that of the above-mentioned
connection openings 76, 76 (Fig. 12).
[0152] The electrical connector 152, as shown in Figs. 53 and 55 to 57, includes a plurality
of PCB terminals 191 and an electrical housing 192 of synthetic resin.
[0153] The PCB terminals 191 are of a male type and bent in L-like form to be mounted at
one end in the electrical housing 192 and fixed at the other end to the not-shown
printed circuit board. (The PCB terminals 191, in the present embodiment, are mounted
in two, upper and lower tiers in the electrical housing 192 and thus provided in two
types having different lengths.)
[0154] The electrical housing 192 has a box-like shape of substantially rectangular cross
section opening at the front and includes a PCB terminal mount section 193 and an
optical connector mount section 194.
[0155] The PCB terminal mount section 193 is located toward a right side wall 195 of the
electrical housing 192 and receives the PCB terminals 191 at the one end in a row
arrangement in two tiers.
[0156] The optical connector mount section 194 is located toward a left side wall 196 of
the electrical housing 192 and includes a holder portion 198 projecting from a rear
wall 197 of the electrical housing 192 and an insertion opening 199 formed in the
holder portion 198 for insertion therein of the sleeve receiving sections 182, 182
of the optical connector 151.
[0157] The holder portion 198 internally has four engagement holes 200 corresponding to
the four locking projections 187 of the sleeve receiving sections 182, 182. The insertion
hole 199 conforms in shape to the outside shape of the sleeve receiving sections 182,
182. The taper surface 202 (Fig. 55) facing the insertion hole 199 cooperates with
a taper surface 201 on the part of the sleeve receiving sections 182, 182 to prevent
an erroneous mounting of the sleeve receiving sections 182, 182 in the insertion hole
199.
[0158] Inside the electrical housing 192, at the upper wall 203 side, there are provided
an engagement groove 204 for the locking arm 57 (Fig. 12) of the electrical housing
42 and guide grooves 205, 205, 206 for the respective guide ribs 58, 58, 59 (Fig.
12) . At the lower wall 207 side, there are provided guide grooves 208, 208 for the
guide ribs 62, 62 (Fig. 12) of the electrical housing 42.
[0159] On its upper wall, the electrical housing 192 has engagement slits 209, 209 (Figs.
53, 56) in communication to the engagement groove 204, for engagement therein of the
locking projections 78, 78 (Fig. 12) of the locking arm 57 of the electrical housing
42.
[0160] The right and left side walls 195 and 196 of the electrical housing 192 are provided
with a mounting portion 210 (Fig. 55) with which to mount on the not-shown printed
circuit board. The mounting portion 210 has a clip 211 for insertion through elastic
deformation through and engagement with a corresponding hole formed in the not-shown
printed circuit board.
[0161] With the construction as described above, the optical/electrical connector 11 is
assembled as follows. As shown in Figs. 55 to 57, after the plurality of PCB terminals
191 are mounted in the electrical connector 152 by one-piece molding or press fitting,
the optical connector 151 is fitted in the optical connector mount section 194 to
assemble the optical/electrical connector 11.
[0162] Description will now be made of the optical connector 12.
[0163] In Fig. 58, the male optical connector 12 includes an optical housing 215 of conductive
synthetic resin material, sleeves 216, 216, FOTs 153, 154 (the same ones as mentioned
above), and a cap 217 of conductive synthetic resin material.
[0164] The optical housing 215, as shown in Figs. 58 to 67, has a box-like shape of substantially
rectangular cross section opening at the front and the rear and an internal partition
wall 218 to provide open spaces forwardly and rearwardly of the partition wall 218.
The forward open space forms a fitting section 219 for the female connector 2, 3 and
the rearward open space forms a receiving section 220 for FOTs 153, 154.
[0165] The partition wall 218 is provided with receiving cylinders 221, 221 projecting into
the fitting section 219 and intercommunicating the fitting section 219 and the receiving
section 220. Into the receiving cylinders 221, 221 are placed the sleeves 216, 216.
The outer diameter of the receiving cylinders 221, 221 is slightly smaller than that
of the connection openings 134, 134 (Fig. 41) of the optical housing 10.
[0166] The left side wall 222 of the optical housing 215 is provided at the fitting section
219 with guide grooves 223, 223 for the guide ribs 129, 129 (Fig. 41) of the optical
housing 10 and an engagement groove 224 for the locking portion 130 (Fig. 41). Inside
the engagement groove 224 is formed a claw-like engagement portion 225 for engagement
with the locking projection 143 (Fig. 44) of the locking portion 130 (Fig. 41).
[0167] The right side wall 226 of the optical housing 215 is provided at the fitting section
219 with guide grooves 227, 227 for the guide ribs 127, 127 (Fig. 41) of the optical
housing 10.
[0168] The lower wall 228 of the optical housing 215 is provided with pins 229, 229 with
which the optical housing 215 is mounted on the not-shown printed circuit board. Denoted
230, 230 are ground terminals extending from the lower wall 228 of the optical housing
215.
[0169] The receiving section 220 has a partition wall 231 which divides the FOTs 153 and
154 accommodated therein. Openings 232, 232 through which the leads 161, 163 of the
FOTs 153, 154 are let out, are formed in the lower wall 228 at the receiving section
220. The left and right side walls 222 and 226 at the receiving section 220 are formed
with engagement portions 233 with which the cap 217 engages to be locked.
[0170] Each sleeve 216, as shown in Fig. 58, is constituted by an optical fiber 234 made
up of a core and a cladding, and a cylindrical holder 235. Incidentally, the sleeves
216, 216 may be provided, in one method, by cutting the optical fiber cables 5, 5
(Fig. 3) in predetermined lengths and grinding them at their both ends.
[0171] The cap 217, as shown in Fig. 58, has a rectangular plate-like shape and is provided
at opposite left and right sides with two locking projections 236 engageable with
the corresponding engagement portions 233 of the optical housing 215. Plates 237,
237 are provided at the lower end of the cap 217 to project toward the leads 161,
163 of the FOTs 153, 154. On its wall toward the receiving section 220 of the optical
housing 215, the cap 217 further has a plurality of pressing pieces 238 which press
on the FOTs 153, 154.
[0172] With the construction as mentioned above, the optical connector 12 is assembled as
follows.
[0173] As shown in Figs. 68 and 69, the sleeves 216, 216, the FOTs 153, 154 and the cap
217 are mounted in position in this order in the receiving section 220 (Fig. 63) to
assemble the optical connector 12.
[0174] As described hereinbefore with reference to Figs. 1 to 69, the optical/electrical
connector 1 or the optical connector 2, 3 can be assembled from constituent elements
selected in accordance with the mating connector. In other words, with the optical
connector 87 selected as a reference connector, the electrical connector 7, the optical
adapter cover 9 or the optical housing 10 may be selected to be combined with the
optical connector 87 depending on the mating connector. The hybrid connector according
to this invention, in connecting to an electronic component or the like, may selectively
take one of the three forms of the optical/electrical connector or the optical connector
2, 3. The commonly usable holder 8 is advantageously usable in such hybrid connector.
[0175] It is to be noted that this invention is also applicable to a connector for use with
a one core type optical fiber bidirectional communication system.
[0176] Having now fully described the invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein.